Bawdy’s guide to 2022 K-Beauty trends
Remember back in the 2010s when everyone in the skincare world suddenly went crazy for Korean-inspired 10-step skincare routines? Well, that trend might have passed, but K-Beauty is still at the cutting edge of skincare, combining innovative formulations and new delivery methods. While in the past skincare has been focused on our faces, this year, we’re seeing Korean skincare moving beyond the face and into skincare for your scalp, hands, and the rest of your body.
If you’re ready to glow from head to toe this year, then looking at what’s going on with Korean skincare should for sure be on your to-do list. We’re helping you out by rounding up the latest trends, which brands to add to your cart, and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine at home.
Why is K-Beauty so popular?
Korean skincare first became popular in Asia, mainly because it was readily available there first. Korean women, in particular, live in a society where beauty standards are very high, and as a result, they spend a lot of time, and money, looking their best. As Korean influencers started sharing their skincare routines, the products they used were picked up by bloggers and influencers in the US and Europe, and the trends spread. That, combined with the general rise in popularity of Korean culture as a whole over the last few years, means that K-Beauty is now a firm favorite in people’s skin care collections around the world.
What skincare will be popular in Korea in 2022?
Korean skincare is centered around the idea of layering products and focusing on ingredients over brands. Brands aim to create skincare products that help people achieve glowing skin by layering ingredients and taking time to look after themselves. This is the now-infamous 10-step skincare routine that saw K-Beauty soar to fame:
Step 1. Cleanse with an oil cleanser to remove makeup.
Step 2. Cleanse with a water-based cleanser to remove grime and impurities.
Step 3. Exfoliate using a chemical or physical exfoliant.
Step 4. Use a toner to prep your skin to soak up moisture.
Step 5. Apply an essence or serum to deliver concentrated actives and address your skin concerns.
Step 6. Use an ampoule or another treatment formulated for your skin type.
Step 7. Apply a sheet mask, and leave it on for 10 minutes or so.
Step 8. Moisturize the skin around your eyes with an eye cream.
Step 9. Moisturize the rest of your face with a regular moisturizer.
Step 10. Apply SPF 50+ sun protection.
What are the top K-Beauty trends in 2022?
Korean skincare moves fast, and every year there are trends that start off there before we find them being adopted by US-based brands. To keep you one step ahead of the game, we’re guiding you through the latest K-Beauty trends that you’re going to want in on this year: moving from head to toe to give you a roundup of this year’s biggest trends that will be sure to help you feel and look incredible.
Haircare
La Dor Perfect Hair Fill-Up Ampoules
These ampoules are packed with nutrients to keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous. Each dose contains concentrated amounts of collagen, keratin, and ceramides to help your hair feel strong and look super glossy.
Formulated to cleanse your scalp, Skylake’s Cool Shampoo rids your scalp of dead skin cells and nourishes your hair. The bottle also contains 6g of wilfordii root to relieve inflammation and irritation.
Facial skincare
Isntree Onion New pair Gel Cream
Onion has been found to contain high levels of retinol, which can help increase cell turnover and help your skin look more youthful and glowing. Not only is the source of retinol innovative, but its delivery in a gel cream is bang on-trend, too.
In contrast to K-Beauty’s reputation for needing a product for each step, this year, we’re seeing Korean skincare brands launching multi-purpose skincare products. These Multi Balms are designed to be used as a rejuvenating balm all over your face and body.
Body skincare
SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser
Actives have been something Korean skincare has focused on for years when it comes to facial products, but body products are catching up this year. SOME BY MI’s cleanser includes AHA, BHA, PHA to clear acne and give you glowing skin all over.
Pyunkang Yul - Intensive Ceramide Lotion
This year’s all about creating a skincare routine for your body, as well as for your face. So after you’ve cleansed with an AHA cleanser in your shower, then it’s time to hydrate and nourish with ceramides. Pyunkang Yul’s lotion contains five kinds of hyaluronic acids to help your skin retain moisture.
Pedicures
VILLAGE 11 FACTORY - Relax Day Foot Peeling
Remember those pedicure socks that made your skin peel for days after you used them? Well, Korean foot care has been upgraded since then. The Relax Day Foot Peeling socks are gentle enough to let your skin do its thing but strong enough to take care of dry skin and calluses.
BELLAMONSTER - Body Care Solution Honey Body Pad Set
Designed to deliver targeted moisture, these mitts are ideal for massaging your feet and calves. They’re designed to gently exfoliate your skin all while keeping it moisturized, so you don’t lose that classic K-Beauty glow.